Heating unit with leds and venting

ABSTRACT

A heating unit includes a housing defining a thermal cavity, a reflector assembly disposed within the thermal cavity, and a heating element disposed within the thermal cavity. The reflector assembly includes a first reflector coupled to an interior surface of the housing and a second reflector coupled to the first reflector. The first reflector is spaced from the interior surface forming a first air gap therebetween and the second reflector is spaced from the first reflector forming a second air gap therebetween. The heating element is at least partially surrounded by the reflector assembly.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.15/595,572, filed May 15, 2017, which claims the benefit of U.S.Provisional Patent Application No. 62/337,045, filed May 16, 2016, bothof which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

BACKGROUND

Food products may need to be maintained at a certain temperature (e.g.,before being served to a customer, etc.). For example, many foodproducts need to be maintained in a certain temperature range to providea desired eating experience or to comply with food safety regulations.Food products are traditionally maintained at a desired temperatureusing a unit that provides a temperature-controlled environment. Theunit may include one or more heating elements.

SUMMARY

One embodiment relates to a heating unit. The heating unit includes ahousing defining a thermal cavity, a reflector assembly disposed withinthe thermal cavity, and a heating element disposed within the thermalcavity. The reflector assembly includes a first reflector coupled to aninterior surface of the housing and a second reflector coupled to thefirst reflector. The first reflector is spaced from the interior surfaceforming a first air gap therebetween and the second reflector is spacedfrom the first reflector forming a second air gap therebetween. Theheating element is at least partially surrounded by the reflectorassembly.

Another embodiment relates to a heating unit. The heating unit includesa housing defining a thermal cavity, a reflector assembly disposedwithin the thermal cavity, and a heating element disposed within thethermal cavity. The reflector assembly includes a first reflectorcoupled to an interior surface of the housing, a first spacer positionedbetween the first reflector and the interior surface forming a first airgap therebetween, a second reflector coupled to the first reflector, anda second spacer positioned between the first reflector and the secondreflector forming as second air gap therebetween. The heating element isat least partially surrounded by the reflector assembly.

Still another embodiment relates to a heating unit. The heating unitincludes a housing defining a central longitudinal plane, a heatingelement disposed within the housing and extending within the centrallongitudinal plane, a first lighting element, and a second lightingelement. The housing includes a cover having a first longitudinal edgeand an opposing second longitudinal edge, a first flange extending alongthe first longitudinal edge, and a second flange extending along theopposing second longitudinal edge. The cover defines (i) a first ventpositioned laterally between the central longitudinal plane and thefirst longitudinal edge and (ii) a second vent positioned laterallybetween the central longitudinal plane and the opposing secondlongitudinal edge. The first lighting element is coupled to the firstflange such that the first vent is positioned laterally between thefirst lighting element and the heating element. The second lightingelement is coupled to the second flange such that the second vent ispositioned laterally between the second lighting element and the heatingelement.

The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being carried outin various ways. Alternative exemplary embodiments relate to otherfeatures and combinations of features as may be recited herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The disclosure will become more fully understood from the followingdetailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanyingfigures, wherein like reference numerals refer to like elements, inwhich:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a heating system including a heatingunit, according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIGS. 2 and 3 are front plan views of a heating system, according toanother exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 4 is detailed view of a controller unit of the heating unit of FIG.1, according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 5 is a front perspective view of the heating unit of FIG. 1,according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 6 is a rear plan view of the heating unit of FIG. 1, according toan exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 7 is a left plan view of the heating unit of FIG. 1, according toan exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 8 is a right plan view of the heating unit of FIG. 1, according toan exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 9 is a top plan view of the heating unit of FIG. 1, according to anexemplary embodiment;

FIG. 10 is a bottom plan view of the heating unit of FIG. 1, accordingto an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 11 is a bottom perspective exploded view of the heating unit ofFIG. 1, according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 12 is a detailed side cross-sectional view of the heating unit ofFIG. 1, according to an exemplary embodiment; and

FIGS. 13 and 14 are bottom perspective views of the heating unit of FIG.1, according to an exemplary embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Before turning to the figures, which illustrate the exemplaryembodiments in detail, it should be understood that the presentapplication is not limited to the details or methodology set forth inthe description or illustrated in the figures. It should also beunderstood that the terminology is for the purpose of description onlyand should not be regarded as limiting.

According to an exemplary embodiment, a heating unit (e.g., a foodwarmer, etc.) includes a heating element. The heating element isconfigured to provide thermal energy to a food product positioned belowthe heating unit within a heating area. Traditional heating units mayinclude a light source (e.g., incandescent lights, fluorescent lights,etc.) positioned to illuminate the heating area.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the heating unit of the presentdisclosure includes light emitting diode (LED) lighting, a housing, anda reflector assembly that facilitate operating the heating unit withLEDs. The reflector assembly (e.g., a dual reflector assembly, etc.) iscoupled to the housing along a longitudinal centerline of the heatingunit (e.g., within a central longitudinal plane thereof, etc.) with anair gap formed therebetween. The reflector assembly is configured to atleast partially surround the heating element. According to an exemplaryembodiment, the reflector assembly is configured to direct (e.g.,reflect, redirect, etc.) a portion of the heat generated (e.g., emitted,etc.) by the heating element towards the heating zone. The housing maydefine one or more vents positioned laterally outward relative to theheating element and reflector assembly. The LEDs may be positionedfurther laterally outward than the one or more vents (e.g., such thatthe one or more vents are positioned laterally between the heatingelement and the LEDs, etc.). According to an exemplary embodiment, thereflector assembly, the air gap, and/or the vents are positioned tothermally isolate the LEDs from the heat generated by the heatingelement, thereby maintaining the temperature of the LEDs within asuitable operating temperature range.

According to the exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-3, a thermalregulation system, shown as heating system 10, includes a heating unit,shown as warmer 100. As shown in FIG. 1, the heating system 10 includesa heating assembly, shown as heating assembly 20, and a base, shown asheating base 60. The heating assembly 20 includes a shelf, shown asshelf 22, and legs, shown as stands 24. As shown in FIG. 1, the warmer100 is coupled to the shelf 22 with brackets, shown as mounting brackets102. In other embodiments, the warmer 100 is coupled to another surface(e.g., a ceiling, a cabinet, etc.) with the mounting brackets 102. In analternative embodiment, the warmer 100 is suspended from the shelf 22 oranother surface (e.g., ceiling, cabinet, etc.) with wires, cables,chains, or another system. According to an exemplary embodiment, thestands 24 are sized to position the warmer 100 a target distance abovethe heating base 60. In other embodiments, the stands 24 are adjustableto facilitate selectively repositioning the warmer 100 and/or the shelf22 a distance from the heating base 60. The stands 24 may berectangular, square, tubular, etc. and are configured to concealelectrical wiring connected to the warmer 100 (e.g., to power a heatingelement of the warmer 100, to power a light source of the warmer 100,etc.). According to the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the stands24 are fixed to the heating base 60. In some embodiments, the entireheating system 10 is selectively repositionable (e.g., the heating base60 includes wheels, etc.). According to alternative embodiments, thestands 24 are not coupled to the heating base 60 (e.g., the heatingassembly 20 is not fixed to the heating base 60, the heating assembly 20is repositionable, etc.).

According to the exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, theheating system 10 does not includes the heating assembly 20 (e.g., theshelf 22 and the stands 24 are omitted, etc.) and the warmer 100 doesnot include the mounting brackets 102. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, thewarmer 100 includes a pair of stands, shows as stands 104, directlycoupled to the warmer 100. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the stands 104includes a first member, shown as outer tube 106, and a second member,shown as inner tube 108. According to an exemplary embodiment, the innertube 108 is configured to extend from and retract into the outer tube106 such that the stands 104 facilitate selectively adjusting the heightof the warmer 100 relative to a support surface (e.g., the heating base60, a counter, etc.). In an alternative embodiment, the stands 104 arenon-adjustable (i.e., have a fixed length to position the warmer 100 atarget distance from the heating base 60). In some embodiments, thestands 104 are structured as “C-leg” stands (e.g., C-shaped, etc.) or“T-leg” stands (e.g., T-shaped, etc.) and configured to facilitateinstallation and stability of the warmer 100 onto any surface (e.g.,counter, table, the heating base 60, etc.).

As shown in FIG. 1, the heating base 60 provides a surface, shown asheating surface 62, upon which a product (e.g., plate, food product,drink, etc.), shown as product 50, is heated by warmer 100 during aheating operation (and/or cooled during a cooling operation). As shownin FIG. 1, the heating surface 62 is substantially rectangular in shape.In other embodiments, the heating surface 62 has a different shape(e.g., oval-shaped, square, circular, hexagonal, etc.). As shown in FIG.1, the heating surface 62 is substantially flat. In other embodiments,the heating surface 62 is not flat (e.g., curved, etc.). By way ofexample, the heating surface 62 may define one or more depressions(e.g., grooves, indents, valleys, etc.) positioned along the heatingbase 60. The depressions may allow a user (e.g., chef, cook, staff,owner, etc.) to separate or arrange various items (e.g., hot and colditems, solid and liquid items, align sandwiches or ice cream bars,etc.). For example, one depression may receive a liquid-based foodproduct (e.g., soup, etc.), and another depression may receive asolid-based food product (e.g., sandwiches, pasta, etc.). In oneembodiment, one depression and/or section of the heating surface 62 isheated while another depression and/or section is cooled.

As shown in FIG. 1, the warmer 100 includes a housing, shown as housing110. The housing 110 is configured to receive a thermal element, shownas heating element 150. The heating element 150 is configured to providethermal energy (e.g., heat, etc.) to the product(s) 50 positionedbeneath the warmer 100 within a region, shown as heating zone 64.According to an exemplary embodiment, the thermal energy provided by theheating element 150 maintains a target temperature (or targettemperature range) of the product(s) 50 within the heating zone 64(e.g., to provide a desired eating experience, to comply with foodsafety regulations, etc.). In some embodiments, the warmer 100 includesa plurality of heating elements 150 such that the warmer 100 may providevarying amounts of thermal energy across the heating zone 64 (e.g.,different temperature zones within the heating zone 64, etc.).

According to an exemplary embodiment, the heating element 150 includes aresistive heating element used to perform at least a portion of theheating operation of the warmer 100 (e.g., through radiative heattransfer, etc.). The heating element 150 may be flexible and/oradaptable to any configuration (e.g., shape, layout, etc.) of thehousing 110. The resistive heating element may receive electricalcurrent (i.e., electrical energy) that is passed through the heatingelement 150 to generate thermal energy (e.g., heat, etc.). In otherembodiments, the heating element 150 includes a different type ofheating element (e.g., coiled, tubular, non-flexible, etc.). The heatingelement 150 receives a heated working fluid as part of the heatingoperation, according to an alternative embodiment. In alternateembodiments, the warmer 100 additionally or alternatively includes aconvective element (e.g., a blower, a fan, etc.) to provide convectiveheat transfer (e.g., a heated air stream, etc.) to perform at least aportion of the heating operation of the warmer 100. In yet anotherembodiment, the heating surface 62 absorbs and retains heat provided bythe warmer 100 such that the product(s) 50 within the heating zone 64may be further heated with conductive heat transfer. Thus, the warmer100 may provide thermal energy to the product(s) 50 within the heatingzone 64 through radiative heat transfer, convective heat transfer,conductive heat transfer, or any combination thereof.

According to an alternative embodiment, the thermal element isconfigured as a cooling element (e.g., in place of or in combinationwith a heating element, etc.). For example, the thermal element may beor include a refrigerant coil that is used in a refrigeration cycle toperform a cooling operation on the product(s) 50. By way of example, arefrigerant coil may be used along with a working fluid (e.g., arefrigerant such as R-134a, etc.) in a refrigeration cycle. The workingfluid may flow through the refrigerant coil and absorbs thermal energy(e.g., evaporation, etc.) from a surrounding environment, the product(s)50, and/or the heating base 60, reducing the temperature thereof. Theabsorbed thermal energy (e.g., heat, etc.) may be rejected into thesurrounding environment (e.g., room, air, etc.) through the remainingsteps in the refrigeration cycle (e.g., compression, condensation,expansion, etc.). In other embodiments, the cooling element includesanother type of cooling element (e.g., thermoelectric cooler, etc.).

As shown in FIG. 1, the heating system 10 includes a control unit, shownas controller 70, configured to control the warmer 100. In oneembodiment, a user may control the heating system 10 with an interface,shown as user interface 72 of the controller 70. The controller 70 maybe communicably coupled to various components of the warmer 100 (e.g.,the heating element 150, a lighting element, etc.), such thatinformation and/or signals (e.g., command signals, etc.) may be providedto and/or from the controller 70. The information and/or signals mayrelate to one or more components of the warmer 100. According to theexemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the controller 70 is locatedremotely from the warmer 100. In other embodiments, the controller 70 isdirectly coupled to the housing 110 of the warmer 100.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the user interface 72 facilitatescommunication between an operator (e.g., cook, chef, staff member, etc.)of the warmer 100 and one or more components (e.g., the heating element150, lighting elements, etc.) of the warmer 100. By way of example, theuser interface 72 may include at least one of an interactive display, atouchscreen device, one or more buttons (e.g., a stop button configuredto turn the unit off, buttons allowing a user to set a targettemperature, buttons to turn a lighting element on and off, etc.), andswitches. In one embodiment, the user interface 72 includes anotification device (e.g., alarm, light, display, etc.) that notifiesthe operator when the warmer 100 is on, off, in a standby mode, and/orin an heating mode. As shown in FIG. 4, the user interface 72 includesan on/off switch 74 and a temperature dial 76. According to an exemplaryembodiment, a user may interact with the on/off switch 74 to turn thewarmer 100 on or off. According to another exemplary embodiment, a usermay interact with the temperature dial 76 to enter a desired operatingsetpoint (e.g., a power level, an operating temperature, etc.) for theoperation of the warmer 100. In another embodiment, a display shows acurrent temperature of the heating element 150, a current temperature ofthe heating zone 64, a target temperature (e.g., of the heating zone 64,of the products 50, of the heating element 150, etc.), and/or a timeuntil the target temperature is reached.

According to the exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 5-14, the warmer100 includes the housing 110, a pair of lighting elements, shown asfirst lighting element 142 and second lighting element 144, the heatingelement 150, and a reflector assembly, shown as reflector assembly 152.In other embodiments, the warmer 100 includes only one lighting element(e.g., one strip of LEDs, etc.). As shown in FIGS. 5-14, the housing 110includes a cover, shown as cover 120. The cover 120 has a firstlongitudinal side, shown as first longitudinal edge 112, an opposingsecond longitudinal side, shown as second longitudinal edge 114, a firstend, shown as first end 116, and an opposing second end, shown as secondend 118. According to the exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 5-14, thecover 120 has a domed-shaped profile. In other embodiments, the cover120 has a rectangular profile, a square profile, a pitched profile(e.g., pentagon shaped, etc.), a trapezoidal profile, or still anotherprofile. As shown in FIGS. 5-11, the warmer 100 includes a pair of endcaps, shown as first end cap 126 and second end cap 128, coupled to thefirst end 116 and the second end 118 of the cover 120, respectively. Asshown in FIGS. 11-12, the cover 120, the first end cap 126, and thesecond end cap 128 cooperatively define an internal cavity, shown asthermal cavity 130. As shown in FIGS. 5-11, a mounting bracket 102 iscoupled (e.g., fastened, etc.) to each of the first end cap 126 and thesecond end cap 128 (e.g., to facilitate hanging the warmer 100 from ashelf, cabinet, etc.).

As shown in FIGS. 10-14, the housing 110 includes a first longitudinalledge, shown as first flange 132, that extends along the firstlongitudinal edge 112 of the cover 120 and a second longitudinal ledge,shown as second flange 134, that extends along the second longitudinaledge 114 of the cover 120. According to an exemplary embodiment, thefirst flange 132 and the second flange 134 extend at least partiallylaterally inward from the first longitudinal edge 112 and the secondlongitudinal edge 114, respectively, into the thermal cavity 130. In oneembodiment, the cover 120, the first flange 132, and the second flange134 are integrally formed to define a single, unitary housing 110 (e.g.,an extruded housing, etc.). In other embodiment, the first flange 132and/or the second flange 134 are coupled (e.g., fastened, riveted,screwed, welded, glued, etc.) to the first longitudinal edge 112 and/orthe second longitudinal edge 114 of the cover 120, respectively.

As shown in FIG. 12, the housing 110 defines a central longitudinalplane, shown as central plane 200. In one embodiment, the central plane200 extends along a longitudinal centerline of the housing 110. Theheating element 150 extends within the central plane 200 (e.g., definingthe longitudinal centerline of the housing 110, etc.), according to anexemplary embodiment. As shown in FIGS. 10-12, the reflector assembly152 includes a first reflector, shown as first heat reflector 160, and asecond reflector, shown as second heat reflector 170. In someembodiments, the reflector assembly 152 does not include first heatreflector 160. In some embodiments, the reflector assembly 152 does notinclude the second heat reflector 170. As shown in FIG. 12, thereflector assembly 152 is disposed within the thermal cavity 130 andcoupled to the cover 120. The reflector assembly 152 (e.g., the secondheat reflector 170, etc.) at least partially surrounds the heatingelement 150 (e.g., the heating element 150 is disposed within and atleast partially surrounded by the second heat reflector 170, etc.).According to an exemplary embodiment, the reflector assembly 152 isconfigured to reflect and/or redirect a portion of the heat generated(e.g., emitted, etc.) by the heating element 150 towards the heatingzone 64.

As shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the first heat reflector 160 is coupled toan interior surface of the cover 120 with a first plurality of spacers,shown as first standoffs 162, and a first plurality of fasteners, shownas first fasteners 164. As shown in FIG. 12, the first standoffs 162 arepositioned between the first heat reflector 160 and the interior surfaceof the cover 120 forming a first air gap, shown as first air gap 166,therebetween. As shown in FIG. 12, the second heat reflector 170 isdisposed within a channel of the first heat reflector 160 (e.g., thesecond heat reflector 170 is at least partially surrounded by the firstreflector 160, etc.). As shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the second heatreflector 170 is coupled to the first heat reflector 160 with a secondplurality of spacers, shown as second standoffs 172, and a secondplurality of fasteners, shown as second fasteners 174. As shown in FIG.12, the second standoffs 172 are positioned between the first heatreflector 160 and the second heat reflector 170 forming a second airgap, shown as second air gap 176, therebetween.

As shown in FIGS. 5, 6, 9, 10, and 12, the cover 120 defines a firstplurality of vents, shown as first vents 122, and a second plurality ofvents, shown as second vents 124. As shown in FIG. 12, the first vents122 are positioned laterally between (i) the central plane 200 (e.g.,the heating element 150, the reflector assembly 152, etc.) and (ii) thefirst longitudinal edge 112 and the first flange 132 (e.g., the firstvents 122 are positioned laterally outward relative to the heatingelement 150 and the reflector assembly 152, etc.). As shown in FIG. 12,the second vents 124 are positioned laterally between (i) the centralplane 200 (e.g., the heating element 150, the reflector assembly 152,etc.) and (ii) the second longitudinal edge 114 and the second flange134 (e.g., the second vents 124 are positioned laterally outwardrelative to the heating element 150 and the reflector assembly 152,etc.). According to the exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 5, 6, 9, and10, the first vents 122 and the second vents 124 extend longitudinallybetween the first end 116 and the second end 118 of the cover 120. Inother embodiments, the first vents 122 and the second vents 124 extendlaterally and/or diagonally between the first longitudinal edge 112 andthe second longitudinal edge 114 of the cover 120. As shown in FIGS. 5,6, 9, 10, the first vents 122 and the second vents 124 are elongatedslots. In other embodiments, the first vents 122 and/or the second vents124 have another shape (e.g., circular, etc.). In an alternativeembodiment, the first vents 122 and/or the second vents 124 form asingle, continuous elongated vent that extends at least a portion of thelongitudinal length of the cover 120.

As shown in FIGS. 10-14, the first lighting element 142 is coupled tothe first flange 132 with a first plurality of couplers, shown as firstclips 136 (e.g., such that the first lighting element 142 is at leastpartially disposed within the thermal cavity 130, etc.). The firstlighting element 142 is thereby positioned further laterally outwardthan the first vents 122 such that the first vents 122 are positionedlaterally between the first lighting element 142 and the heating element150. As shown in FIG. 12, the first lighting element 142 is spaced adistance from the reflector assembly 152, forming a third air gap, shownas third air gap 156, therebetween. As shown in FIGS. 10-14, the secondlighting element 144 is coupled to the second flange 134 with a secondplurality of couplers, shown as second clips 138 (e.g., such that thesecond lighting element 144 is at least partially disposed within thethermal cavity 130, etc.). The second lighting element 144 is therebypositioned further laterally outward than the second vents 124 such thatthe second vents 124 are positioned laterally between the secondlighting element 144 and the heating element 150. As shown in FIG. 12,the second lighting element 144 is spaced a distance from the reflectorassembly 152, forming a fourth air gap, shown as fourth air gap 158,therebetween.

As shown in FIG. 12, the first lighting element 142 includes one or morefirst light sources, shown as first light sources 146, disposed withinand/or along the first lighting element 142. According to an exemplaryembodiment, the first light sources 146 include LEDs. In otherembodiments, the first light sources 146 include another type of lightsource (e.g., fluorescent, incandescent, etc.). As shown in FIG. 12, thesecond lighting element 144 includes one or more second light sources,shown as second light sources 148, disposed within and/or along thesecond lighting element 144. According to an exemplary embodiment, thesecond light sources 148 include LEDs. In other embodiments, the secondlight sources 148 include another type of light source (e.g.,fluorescent, incandescent, etc.). According to an exemplary embodiment,the first lighting element 142 and the second lighting element 144 arepositioned to illuminate the heating zone 64. In some embodiments, thewarmer 100 does not include one of the first lighting element 142 andthe second lighting element 144. In an alternative embodiment, the firstlighting element 142 and the second lighting element 144 form a single,continuous lighting element that extends around the periphery of thecover 120.

By way of example, higher temperatures may reduce light output from andpotentially shorten the useful life of the first light source 146 andthe second light source 148, particularly in embodiments where suchlight sources include LEDs. The housing 110 provides a cooler ambientenvironment (e.g., within the thermal cavity 130, etc.), increasing LEDlight output and the useful life of the LEDs.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the reflector assembly 152, thefirst air gap 166, the second air gap 176, the third air gap 156, thefourth air gap 158, the first vents 122, and/or the second vents 124 arepositioned to thermally isolate the first light sources 146 and thesecond light sources 148 from the heat generated by the heating element150. By way of example, the first heat reflector 160 and the second heatreflector 170 may be positioned to reflect and/or redirect heat radiatedfrom the heating element 150 to the heating zone 64 and shield the firstlighting element 142 and/or the second lighting element 144 from directheat exposure from heat radiated by the heating element 150. During suchshielding, the temperature of the first heat reflector 160 and thesecond heat reflector 170 may increase. The second standoffs 172 and thesecond air gap 176 may prevent conductive heat transfer between thesecond heat reflector 170 and the first heat reflector 160. The firststandoffs 162 and the first air gap 166 may be positioned to preventconductive heat transfer between the cover 120 and the first heatreflector 160. The third air gap 156 and the fourth air gap 158 may bepositioned to prevent conductive heat transfer between the first heatreflector 160, the first lighting element 142, and the second lightingelement 144. The first vents 122 and the second vents 124 may bepositioned to provide a path along which heat radiated from the firstheat reflector 160 escapes from the thermal cavity 130 to an externalenvironment (e.g., due to heat rising from the first heat reflector 160within the thermal cavity 130 of the cover 120, etc.). Such thermalisolation between the reflector assembly 152, the cover 120, the firstlighting element 142, and the second lighting element 144 may therebymaintain the first light sources 146 and the second light sources 148within a suitable operating temperature range for the operation thereof(e.g., to prevent premature failure, a suitable operating temperaturerange for LEDs, etc.).

As shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, the warmer 100 includes a first powerassembly, shown as heating power assembly 180, positioned at the firstend 116 and a second power assembly, shown as lighting power assembly190, positioned at the second end 118. According to an exemplaryembodiment, the heating power assembly 180 includes first electricalwiring dedicated solely for powering the heating element 150 and thelighting power assembly 190 includes second electrical wiring dedicatedsolely for powering the first lighting element 142 and the secondlighting element 144. As shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, the heating powerassembly 180 includes a first electrical box, shown as heatingelectrical box 182, and a first wiring conduit, shown as heating wiringconduit 184. According to an exemplary embodiment, the heating wiringconduit 184 is configured to contain and direct the first electricalwiring (e.g., 120 volt (“V”) wiring, 240 V wiring, etc.) to the heatingelectrical box 182, where the first electrical wiring couples to theheating element 150 and provides power thereto. As shown in FIGS. 13 and14, the lighting power assembly 190 includes a second electrical box,shown as lighting electrical box 192, and a second wiring conduit, shownas lighting wiring conduit 194. According to an exemplary embodiment,the lighting wiring conduit 194 is configured to contain and direct thesecond electrical wiring (e.g., 12 V wiring, etc.) to the lightingelectrical box 192 where the second electrical wiring couples to thefirst lighting element 142 and/or the second lighting element 144 toprovide power thereto. In other embodiments, the first electrical wiringand/or the second electrical wiring are directed to the heatingelectrical box 182 and/or the lighting electrical box, respectively,through respective stands 104 of the warmer 100.

As utilized herein, the terms “approximately”, “about”, “substantially”,and similar terms are intended to have a broad meaning in harmony withthe common and accepted usage by those of ordinary skill in the art towhich the subject matter of this disclosure pertains. It should beunderstood by those of skill in the art who review this disclosure thatthese terms are intended to allow a description of certain featuresdescribed and claimed without restricting the scope of these features tothe precise numerical ranges provided. Accordingly, these terms shouldbe interpreted as indicating that insubstantial or inconsequentialmodifications or alterations of the subject matter described and claimedare considered to be within the scope of the invention as recited in theappended claims.

It should be noted that the term “exemplary” as used herein to describevarious embodiments is intended to indicate that such embodiments arepossible examples, representations, and/or illustrations of possibleembodiments (and such term is not intended to connote that suchembodiments are necessarily extraordinary or superlative examples).

The terms “coupled,” “connected,” and the like, as used herein, mean thejoining of two members directly or indirectly to one another. Suchjoining may be stationary (e.g., permanent) or moveable (e.g.,removable, releasable, etc.). Such joining may be achieved with the twomembers or the two members and any additional intermediate members beingintegrally formed as a single unitary body with one another or with thetwo members or the two members and any additional intermediate membersbeing attached to one another.

References herein to the positions of elements (e.g., “top,” “bottom,”“above,” “below,” etc.) are merely used to describe the orientation ofvarious elements in the figures. It should be noted that the orientationof various elements may differ according to other exemplary embodiments,and that such variations are intended to be encompassed by the presentdisclosure.

Also, the term “or” is used in its inclusive sense (and not in itsexclusive sense) so that when used, for example, to connect a list ofelements, the term “or” means one, some, or all of the elements in thelist. Conjunctive language such as the phrase “at least one of X, Y, andZ,” unless specifically stated otherwise, is otherwise understood withthe context as used in general to convey that an item, term, etc. may beeither X, Y, Z, X and Y, X and Z, Y and Z, or X, Y, and Z (i.e., anycombination of X, Y, and Z). Thus, such conjunctive language is notgenerally intended to imply that certain embodiments require at leastone of X, at least one of Y, and at least one of Z to each be present,unless otherwise indicated.

It is important to note that the construction and arrangement of theelements of the systems and methods as shown in the exemplaryembodiments are illustrative only. Although only a few embodiments ofthe present disclosure have been described in detail, those skilled inthe art who review this disclosure will readily appreciate that manymodifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions,structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, values ofparameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors,orientations, etc.) without materially departing from the novelteachings and advantages of the subject matter recited. For example,elements shown as integrally formed may be constructed of multiple partsor elements. It should be noted that the elements and/or assemblies ofthe components described herein may be constructed from any of a widevariety of materials that provide sufficient strength or durability, inany of a wide variety of colors, textures, and combinations.Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included withinthe scope of the present inventions. Other substitutions, modifications,changes, and omissions may be made in the design, operating conditions,and arrangement of the preferred and other exemplary embodiments withoutdeparting from scope of the present disclosure or from the spirit of theappended claims.

1. A heating unit comprising: a housing defining a thermal cavity; areflector assembly disposed within the thermal cavity, the reflectorassembly including: a first reflector coupled to an interior surface ofthe housing, wherein the first reflector is spaced from the interiorsurface forming a first air gap therebetween; and a second reflectorcoupled to the first reflector, wherein the second reflector is spacedfrom the first reflector forming a second air gap therebetween; and aheating element disposed within the thermal cavity and at leastpartially surrounded by the reflector assembly.
 2. The heating unit ofclaim 1, wherein the heating element is at least partially surrounded bythe second reflector.
 3. The heating unit of claim 1, wherein thehousing has a first longitudinal edge and an opposing secondlongitudinal edge, the housing defining a vent positioned at least oneof (i) laterally between a central longitudinal plane of the housing andthe first longitudinal edge or (ii) laterally between the centrallongitudinal plane and the opposing second longitudinal edge.
 4. Theheating unit of claim 3, wherein the vent is a first vent positionedbetween the central longitudinal plane and the first longitudinal edge,the housing further defining a second vent positioned between thecentral longitudinal plane and the opposing second longitudinal edge. 5.The heating unit of claim 3, further comprising a lighting elementpositioned along at least one of (i) the first longitudinal edge and(ii) the opposing second longitudinal edge such that the vent ispositioned laterally between the lighting element and the heatingelement.
 6. The heating unit of claim 5, wherein the housing includes aflange extending along at least one of the first longitudinal edge orthe opposing second longitudinal edge.
 7. The heating unit of claim 6,wherein the flange extends at least partially laterally inward from theat least one of the first longitudinal edge or the opposing secondlongitudinal edge towards the central longitudinal plane, defining athird air gap between the flange and the reflector assembly.
 8. Theheating unit of claim 6, wherein the flange is a first flange extendingfrom the first longitudinal edge, the housing further comprising asecond flange extending from the opposing second longitudinal edge. 9.The heating unit of claim 6, wherein the lighting element is coupled tothe flange.
 10. The heating unit of claim 5, wherein the lightingelement includes a plurality of light emitting diodes.
 11. A heatingunit comprising: a housing defining a thermal cavity; a reflectorassembly disposed within the thermal cavity, the reflector assemblyincluding: a first reflector coupled to an interior surface of thehousing; a first spacer positioned between the first reflector and theinterior surface forming a first air gap therebetween; a secondreflector coupled to the first reflector; and a second spacer positionedbetween the first reflector and the second reflector forming as secondair gap therebetween; a heating element disposed within the thermalcavity and at least partially surrounded by the reflector assembly. 12.The heating unit of claim 11, wherein the second reflector is disposedwithin a channel of the first reflector such that the first reflector atleast partially surrounds the second reflector.
 13. The heating unit ofclaim 11, wherein the heating element extends within a centrallongitudinal plane of the housing.
 14. The heating unit of claim 11,further comprising a lighting element coupled to the housing.
 15. Theheating unit of claim 14, wherein the housing includes a flangeextending laterally inward from a longitudinal edge of the housing intothe thermal cavity, wherein the lighting element is coupled to theflange.
 16. The heating unit of claim 14, wherein the housing defines avent positioned between the reflector assembly and the lighting element.17. The heating unit of claim 16, wherein the vent includes a pluralityof apertures defined is a serial arrangement along a longitudinal lengthof the housing.
 18. A heating unit comprising: a housing defining acentral longitudinal plane, the housing including: a cover having afirst longitudinal edge and an opposing second longitudinal edge, thecover defining (i) a first vent positioned laterally between the centrallongitudinal plane and the first longitudinal edge and (ii) a secondvent positioned laterally between the central longitudinal plane and theopposing second longitudinal edge; a first flange extending along thefirst longitudinal edge; and a second flange extending along theopposing second longitudinal edge; a heating element disposed within thehousing and extending within the central longitudinal plane; a firstlighting element coupled to the first flange such that the first vent ispositioned laterally between the first lighting element and the heatingelement; and a second lighting element coupled to the second flange suchthat the second vent is positioned laterally between the second lightingelement and the heating element.
 19. The heating unit of claim 18,wherein the first flange extends at least partially laterally inwardfrom the first longitudinal edge towards the central longitudinal plane,and wherein the second flange extends at least partially laterallyinward from the opposing second longitudinal edge towards the centrallongitudinal plane.
 20. The heating unit of claim 18, further comprisinga reflector assembly disposed within the housing and at least partiallysurrounding the heating element, the reflector assembly including atleast one of: a first reflector coupled to an interior surface of thecover, wherein a first plurality of spacers are positioned between thefirst reflector and the interior surface forming a first air gaptherebetween; or a second reflector coupled to the first reflector,wherein a second plurality of spacers are positioned between the secondreflector and the first reflector forming a second air gap therebetween.